Podcast appearances and mentions of Anita Rani

100m sprinter Bebe Jackson, 19, won a bronze medal on her debut at the IPC World Para Athletics Championships in Delhi, India, last week. Bebe was born with congenital talipes equinovarus, widely known as club foot, and when she's not competing for Britain, she works nights caring for children with complex disabilities. She tells Anita Rani how she does it.In Sally Wainwright's new BBC drama Riot Women, a group of women in mid-life escape the pressures of caring for parents and kids - and the menopause - by forming a rock band. Rosalie Craig stars as the incredible singer that brings them together. Anita Rani talks to Sally and actor Rosalie about the power of female friendship.Nuala McGovern talks to the French philosopher Manon Garcia. Manon watched the court proceedings of the Pelicot case in France, in which Dominique Pelicot and 46 other men were found guilty of the rape of Dominique's wife Gisèle. In her book Living with Men, she examines French and other societies in light of the case and questions what more needs to be done.When you think about music from 500 years ago, you might picture monks chanting, or the voices of choirboys, but what's been largely forgotten over the course of history is that some of the most striking music during this time was being written and sung by nuns, hidden away in convents across Europe. Nuala speaks to Laurie Stras, Director of Musica Secreta, an all-female renaissance ensemble.Elon Musk's Artificial Intelligence company xAI recently introduced two sexually explicit chatbots. He's a high-profile presence in a growing field where developers are banking on users interacting and forming intimate relationships with the AI chatbots. Nuala McGovern speaks to journalist Amelia Gentleman, who has just returned from an adult industry conference in Prague, where she saw a sharp rise in new websites offering an increasingly realistic selection of AI girlfriends, and Gina Neff, Professor of Responsible AI at the Queen Mary University of London, who tells us what this means for women.EastEnders actor Kellie Bright took part in a Woman's Hour special last year which asked whether the SEND system is working for children with special educational needs and disabilities. Tonight Kellie presents a special one-hour BBC Panorama. Drawing on her own experience as the mother of an autistic son, she investigates how parents navigate the complex system to secure the right help at school. Kellie joins Nuala McGovern to talk about what she found.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Simon Richardson

A court in southern France has increased the jail term of the only man who challenged his conviction for raping Gisèle Pelicot. Gisèle was drugged by her then-husband Dominique for over a decade and raped by dozens of men he recruited on the internet. Of the 51 men convicted of abusing Gisèle, 44-year-old Husamettin Dogan was the only one who appealed against his verdict. Anita Rani speaks to Angelique Chrisafis, Paris Correspondent for the Guardian, who was in the court at Nîmes.In June this year, Lucy Guo, a 30-year-old American tech entrepreneur, became the youngest self-made female billionaire, according to Forbes. With a reported net worth of almost $1.3 billion, she overtook Taylor Swift to land at number 26 on Forbes' annual ‘America's richest self-made women' list. Anita spoke to Lucy from her home in Los Angeles.100m sprinter Bebe Jackson, 19, won a bronze medal on her debut at the IPC World Para Athletics Championships in Delhi, India, last week. Bebe was born with congenital talipes equinovarus, widely known as club foot, and when she's not competing for Britain, she works nights caring for children with complex disabilities. She tells Anita how she does it.What's it like to be a female travel writer today? Some writers would argue it's now all about the smartphone and hashtags. But the new Ilse Schwepcke Prize, named after the pioneering German publisher who championed female travel writers, is pushing back and celebrating reflective travel writing by women. Journalist and writer Viv Groskop, shortlisted for her memoir, One Ukrainian Summer, and Dr Barbara Schwepcke, daughter of Ilse and founder of Haus publishing, join Anita to discuss the history of travel writing by women and how it's changing. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Corinna Jones

NB: The music in this broadcast has been removed from this podcast for rights reasons.In Sally Wainwright's new BBC drama Riot Women, a group of women in mid-life escape the pressures of caring for parents and kids - and the menopause - by forming a rock band. Rosalie Craig stars as the incredible singer that brings them together. Anita Rani talks to Sally and actor Rosalie about the power of female friendship. The ongoing Covid-19 inquiry is currently looking into the impact of the pandemic on children and young people, from education, health to social wellbeing. Alison Morton, the CEO of the Institute of Health Visitors, told the inquiry this week that the NHS's decision to redeploy health visitors meant that 'children were harmed' and there were 'life-ending consequences.' The BBC's Education Reporter Vanessa Clarke has been following the inquiry and joins Anita to talk about the latest news.As part of the BBC's Nature Week, we're encouraging you to get outside and connect with nature. Writer, advocate and skilled bike mechanic Vicky Balfour talks to Anita about how nature has become both a sanctuary and a source of strength for her as a parent of children with SEND. She describes how short moments outdoors can have a profound impact on mental and physical wellbeing, providing sensory regulation, confidence-building and resilience. Vicky also sheds light on the barriers SEND families face in accessing nature and calls for a more inclusive outdoor culture.Singer-songwriter Tanita Tikaram shot to fame in the late 1980s aged just 18 with her debut album Ancient Heart, which sold millions and featured iconic hits such as Twist in My Sobriety, (World Outside My Window) and Good Tradition. 37-years later, Tanika considers her latest album LIAR (Love Isn't A Right), a sequel to the one that made her a household name. She talks to Anita about making this tenth album which revisits themes of identity and belonging.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

Melinda French Gates is on a crusade to boost research into women's health. She co-founded the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000 which has, to date, donated over $100 billion to charitable projects. Since her divorce from Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, she has left their joint enterprise and set up her own, Pivotal Ventures, which has one purpose: to put power into the hands of women. She joined Anita Rani in the Woman's Hour studio.Gloria Allred is one of the best known women's rights lawyers in the US. She tells Nuala McGovern what has happened to victims' voices amongst the continuous revelations in the press from the Epstein Files. We then hear from bestselling author and leading feminist thinker Rebecca Solnit, who says the released documents are reminders of a culture that decades of feminism have started to dismantle.The conservationist and primatologist Dame Jane Goodall died this week aged 91. According to the Jane Goodall Institute, she died of natural causes in California where she was staying as part of a speaking tour in the US. There have been tributes from around the world. Wildlife biologist, National Geographic Explorer and President of the Wildlife Trust, Liz Bonnin, joins Anita Rani to remember this ground-breaking conservationist who revolutionised the study of great apes. Jillian Miller who is the director of the Gorilla Organisation, which works to save gorillas from extinction also pays tribute.Many of us will remember the multi-award winning Tracey Ullman from her TV shows, A Kick up the Eighties, Three of a Kind, as well as The Tracey Ullman Show, which was a hit on both sides of the Atlantic. Tracey joins Nuala McGovern to discuss her latest role in the film, Steve, in which she plays the deputy head in a last chance reform school for troubled teenage boys.A ‘carent 'is an adult child who is caring for one or both of their ageing parents, in-laws or elderly relatives. Many ‘carents' will be balancing work and family alongside. Dr Jackie Gray, a retired GP and founder of The Carents Room, joins Nuala McGovern to discuss, along with Kendra and Rachel who provide care for their parents.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Simon Richardson

Melinda French Gates is the most well known and powerful woman in philanthropy. The American co-founded the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000 which has to date, donated over $100 billion to charitable projects. Since her divorce from Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, she has left their joint enterprise and set up her own, Pivotal Ventures, which has one purpose: To put power into the hands of women. She joined Anita Rani in the Woman's Hour studio.As you will have heard on the news, two men killed in an attack on a synagogue in Manchester have been named by police as Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz. The attack took place at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsell, Manchester, yesterday, on Yom Kippur, the most holy day in the Jewish calendar. We reflect on how the Jewish community are feeling, and in particular the impact of this attack on families and children. Anita is joined by Rabbi Baroness Julia Neuberger and Angela Epstein, who's the presenter of the podcast Jewish Mother Me. Last Wednesday, seven men were sentenced after being convicted in June of various child sex offences relating to two unnamed girls in Rochdale between 2001 and 2006. Woman's Hour reflects on what this prosecution means for women who have experienced sexual abuse? Anita is joined by former Chief Crown Prosecutor for NW England, Nazir Afzal and Maggie Oliver, ex-Greater Manchester Police detective and chair of the Maggie Oliver Foundation supporting survivors of sexual abuse.If you've bought a piece of jewellery recently - perhaps a wedding ring or maybe something for a big birthday - you're probably aware the price of gold has reached record highs. That surge in the value of gold is reshaping the jewellery industry, from supply chains to design choices, while consumers are being nudged toward silver and other materials. To find out more about the impact of the jewellery industry, Anita talks to jewellery writer Rachael Taylor and designer and maker Sia Taylor.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Corinna Jones

Secret filming by the BBC's Panorama programme last night revealed evidence of racism, misogyny and officers revelling in the use of force at one of London's busiest police stations. Panorama's evidence suggests that a toxic culture still exists inside the Met and that racist and misogynistic attitudes haven't been eliminated but have been driven underground. Anita Rani speaks to Matt Jukes, Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police.The secrets we keep reflect the conventions, taboos and laws of the outside world, and women have traditionally had the bigger burden of secrets, often unable to reveal things that could get them or others judged, in society or by law. Anita talks to Juliet Nicolson about her new book The Book of Revelations which explores secrets through social history, her own family and many case studies she spoke to. The conservationist and primatologist Dame Jane Goodall died yesterday, aged 91. According to the Jane Goodall Institute, she died of natural causes in California where she was staying as part of a speaking tour in the US. There has been tributes from around the world. Joining me Anita to remember this ground-breaking conservationist who revolutionised the study of great apes is wildlife biologist, National Geographic Explorer and President of the Wildlife Trust, Liz Bonnin, and Jillian Miller who is the director of the Gorilla Organisation who work to save gorillas from extinction.From gowns buried underground to transforming fabrics with melted bandages, fashion has a history of exploring the aesthetics of dirt and decay. A new exhibition at the Barbican, Dirty Looks, explores 50 years of designers from Vivienne Westwood to Alexander McQueen, who used dirt and distress to make statements about luxury, beauty, class and the environment. The exhibition also looks at waste as fashion is now one of the most polluting industries in the world. Anita is joined by the exhibition's curator, Karen Van Godtsenhoven, and artist and designer, Michaela Stark, whose work challenges ideas of imperfection.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

Penny Lancaster is a special constable, TV personality and photographer. She's also married to rock legend Rod Stewart. Penny talks to Anita Rani about her life so far - from being bullied at school and living with severe dyslexia, to her IVF journey and educating her boys about the menopause. Penny also shares insights into her marriage to Rod and how for the past four years she has served as a Special Constable with the City of London Police.We examine the part that women's safety is playing in protests about immigration in the UK. Reflecting the range of opinion from women who are protesting outside asylum hotels and forming street patrols they say to protect girls, to women's organisations who believe that violence against women and girls is being weaponised for political gain.  Anita speaks to the BBC's Senior UK correspondent Sima Kotecha.Punch is a play that looks at the ripple effects of a single punch, thrown by a teenager on a night out in Nottingham with fatal consequences. It is on stage in London and the mother of the young man killed, Joan Scourfield, is played by Julie Hesmondhalgh. Both Julie and Joan join Anita to discuss this remarkable story of restorative justice. It's the Women's Rugby World Cup Final on Saturday between England and Canada. For the first time in history, an all-female grounds management team will be prepping the pitch for the Women's final. It's groundbreaking: only 2% of grounds managers are women, and there's a recruitment crisis looming. Anita is joined by Cheryl Hill, part of the team at Twickenham stadium and Jennifer Carter of the Grounds Management Association. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

More than 100 Labour MPs are calling this morning for the Government to put up gambling taxes to pay for scrapping the two child cap on universal credit. Lifting the cap would cost an estimated £3 billion a year. Chancellor Rachel Reeves already has a £20 to £30 billion deficit to try and balance in the November budget. So, should she do it? Anita Rani talks to Iain Watson, BBC Political Correspondent, and Director of policy, rights and advocacy at Child Poverty Action Group, Sara Ogilvie. Professor Edith Heard is the new Director of the Francis Crick Institute, the UK's flagship biomedical centre. Passionate about women's biology, she's taking over at a time when debates over science seem to get hotter by the day. Resources are under strain too, not just money in the midst of high inflation but also the pressure to keep the best scientists working here in the UK. She tells Woman's Hour about how she got here and her plans for the future.The Librarians is a new documentary examining the rise of campaign groups calling to ban books from school and public libraries in the USA. Anita talks to film maker Kym Snyder and librarian Amanda Jones.Oyinkan Braithwaite's debut novel My Sister the Serial Killer was nominated for the Women's and Booker prizes in 2019. Now she's back with another novel on similarly dark themes but explored in a markedly different way. Cursed Daughters is about a legacy of heartache and broken relationships that comes to define one family in Nigeria. She joins Anita.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Corinna Jones

How well does the law serve women? That's a question Nuala puts to Brenda Marjorie Hale, The Rt. Hon. The Baroness Hale of Richmond, DBE a former judge who served as the first female President of the Supreme Court. She was the first woman and the youngest person to be appointed to the Law Commission, where she led the work on what became the 1989 Children Act. In 2019 she announced the Supreme Court's judgement that the prorogation of Parliament was ‘unlawful, void and of no effect'. She discusses her new book, With the Law on Our Side – How the law works for everyone and how we can make it work better.BBC Celebrity Race Across the World will soon be back on our screens as four celebs pair up with a friend or family member and travel from a starting point anywhere in the world to another BUT with no phones or flights allowed and only the cost of the flight as money for the entire trip. Woman's Hour had the privilege of revealing one of the pairings: none other than Woman's Hour presenter Anita Rani and her father Balvinder Singh Nazran.To so many women the symptoms of pregnancy are instant, intense and unmistakeable; however some make it the full nine months without having any idea they're even pregnant. This phenomenon is known as cryptic pregnancy, and the British Medical Journal suggests it's more common than triplets. Nuala was joined by two women who have experienced this first-hand, plus Professor of Midwifery, Helen Cheyne to discuss.Patricia Lockwood is a poet, memoirist and novelist whose work straddles the literary world and the wilds of the internet. Patricia first went viral with her traumatic poem Rape Joke, while her memoir Priestdaddy, about being the daughter of a Catholic priest, has been called a modern classic. She talked to Nuala McGovern about her new book, Will There Ever Be Another You, which explores the surreal disorientation of illness, memory and recovery in the wake of Covid.Sudanese women and girls are bearing the brunt of a civil war that is entering its third year. The relentless conflict has triggered the world's worst humanitarian crisis for 6 million displaced women and girls. Cases of conflict-related sexual violence remain hugely under-reported, but evidence points to its systematic use as a weapon of war. Yousra Elbagir, Sky News' Africa Correspondent talked to Anita about the impact on women and also the role women play in providing support to the displaced.Are you a fan of words, their meanings and origins? The lexicographer Susie Dent, best known as the queen of Dictionary Corner on C4's Countdown, has created a whole year's worth of words, most of which you most probably never knew existed, in a freshly published almanac. It is called Words for Life and each day you can read an entry, digest its meaning and maybe laugh at its sound. Susie gives Anita some examples and explains her interest in words.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Andrea Kidd

If your doctor or surgeon was convicted of rape you might expect them to be struck off. But that isn't always the case according to new research out today. The study by the Royal College of Surgeons looked at decisions by the medical practioners tribunal service, which rules on misconduct cases and decides on the sanctions. In a quarter of cases, they were more lenient than recommendations from the General Medical Council. They looked at 46 cases. In 11, the doctor was suspended instead of being struck off. Mei Nortley, a consultant vascular surgeon, is the lead author of the study and joins Anita Rani to explain more.Are you a fan of words, their meanings and origins? The lexicographer Susie Dent, best known as the queen of Dictionary Corner on C4's Countdown, has created a whole year's worth of words, most of which you most probably never knew existed in a freshly published almanac. It is called Words for Life and each day you can read an entry, digest its meaning and maybe laugh at its sound. Susie gives Anita some examples and explains her interest in words. There's been growing concern in the fashion industry about the increasing prominence of what industry experts say are very thin, European models becoming the beauty standard. While there has been a push for body positivity and diversity in the past, many - including Edward Enninful, the former editor-in-chief of British Vogue, are now questioning whether the rise in ultra-thin models signals a shift back to outdated ideals. To discuss, Anita speaks to Alex Fullerton who is a fashion writer, author and stylist.73-year-old Sushila Karki has recently been sworn in as Nepal's interim prime minister, the first woman to hold that office. This is after anti-corruption protests, when GenZ movement, as it's been called, ousted the government, and more than 70 people were killed in the clashes with riot police. Normally the position is held by a member of parliament, but Sushila isn't a politician, she was the country's chief justice before her retirement. Anita is joined by Sanjaya Dhakal, a journalist with the BBC Nepali Service to find out why she was appointed and what difference people think she can make. Edel Murphy, the CEO of University of Atypical, an organisation that develops and promotes the work of deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists in Northern Ireland talks about the arts festival Bounce, which will be taking place in Belfast and Derry/Londonderry in early October, featuring many female performers and artists.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Corinna Jones

A group of cross-party MPs has called for root and branch transformation of the way mainstream education caters for children and young people with special educational needs and disablities, including new statutory minimum standards. One of the recommendations of the Education Select Committee is that individual care plans for children with special educational needs EHCPs should NOT be scrapped in England. The Government is expected to publish its plans on how to reform SEND provision in England this autumn. Joining Anita Rani to discuss the latest issues is the BBC's Education Reporter Kate McGough.Sudanese women and girls are bearing the brunt of a civil war that is entering its third year. The relentless conflict has triggered the world's worst humanitarian crisis for 6 million displaced women and girls. Cases of conflict-related sexual violence remain hugely under-reported, but evidence points to its systematic use as a weapon of war. Yousra Elbagir, Sky News' Africa Correspondent talks to Anita Rani about the impact on women and also the role women play in providing support to the displaced.BBC Celebrity Race Across the World will soon be back on our screens as four celebs pair up with a friend or family member and travel from a starting point anywhere in the world to another BUT with no phones or flights allowed and only the cost of the flight as money for the entire trip. Woman's Hour has the privilege of revealing one of the celebrity pairings: No other than BBC Woman's Hour presenter Anita Rani and her father Balvinder Singh Nazran.The US and UK are expected to sign a civil nuclear cooperation deal today as part of President Trump's state visit to the UK. But some surveys suggest that there is less support from UK women for the power source than from men and only 22% of the current nuclear workforce are women. Anita talks to Julia Pyke, joint Managing Director at the new Sizewell C Nuclear Power Station and KP Parkhill, Associate Professor in the Department of Environment and Geography at the University of York who studies public attitudes to nuclear about whether nuclear power has a so-called women problem.Last night the finale of TV drama The Summer I Turned Pretty hit our screens. It's a coming-of-age tale, packed full of teen romance and at its centre, a juicy love triangle. According to the New York Times, its main audience is 25 to 54-year-old women, and it's not the only teen drama that has caught the attention of this age group. So, what's the draw? Journalists Edaein O'Connell and Hannah Betts join Anita to discuss the appeal.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

Davina McCall, one of TV's most popular presenters has a new book out, Birthing, co-written with the midwife, Marley Henry. Davina joined Anita Rani to talk about her stellar career so far, including hosting Big Brother for 10 years, campaigning for better menopause care and building a fitness empire. What makes her tick? And what drives her forward to clear hurdles such as an usual childhood, drug addiction and most recently, brain surgery for a benign tumour that she nicknamed Jeffrey?As the 50th anniversary of Papua New Guinea's independence from Australia approaches later this month, we hear why the country is currently one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a woman. Two-thirds of women in PNG have experienced some form of sexual violence in their lifetime, which is almost twice the global average. Nuala McGovern was joined by Tahina Booth, a former elite athlete and founder of Grass Skirt Project who is trying to break the cycle of gender-based violence through sport and Joku Hennah, a journalist and activist.Jung Chang's Wild Swans, the epic family memoir that followed the lives of Jung, her mother and grandmother through China's 20th century, was banned in mainland China, but was a smash hit worldwide upon publication in 1991. Now Jung's sequel, Fly, Wild Swans, brings her family's story up to date and she joined Nuala to talk about its themes. We've all heard of the fight or flight response in the face of danger, but there's also freeze, and then there's fawn, also known as people pleasing, or appeasing. Clinical psychologist Dr Ingrid Clayton has written about this in her new book, Fawning - Why the Need to Please Makes Us Lose Ourselves and How to Find our Way Back. Nuala spoke to Ingrid about her own experiences that made her want to help others overcome this form of trauma response and what fawning looks like in practice.In 2023 Sophie Ellis-Bextor's Murder on the Dancefloor went viral on TikTok after Emerald Fennell used it in a key scene in the film, Saltburn. That resurgence, along with her popular Kitchen Discos that got lots of us through the Covid lockdown set the scene for her new album, Perimenopop, which is released tomorrow, a celebration of womanhood in middle age. Sophie joined Anita in the Woman's Hour studio.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Rebecca Myatt

Davina McCall, one of TV's most popular presenters has a new book out, Birthing, co-written with the midwife, Marley Henry. Davina joins Anita Rani to talk about her stellar career so far, including hosting Big Brother for 10 years, campaigning for better menopause care and building a fitness empire. What makes her tick? And what drives her forward to clear hurdles such as an usual childhood, drug addiction and most recently, brain surgery for a benign tumour that she nicknamed Jeffrey.Funding of at least £2 million a year needs to be restored to help combat Female Genital Mutilation in the UK, according to a new report by the Women and Equalities Committee. It says that access to health services for FGM survivors in the UK is inconsistent and a postcode lottery. Anita hears from the Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, the Labour MP Sarah Owens and from Hibo Wardere, the educational lead and co-founder of the charity Educate Not Mutilate.Last month Scottish history was made at the Glenurquhart Highland Games as the World Female Heavy Events Championship was held for the first time. The Championship brought together women from across the globe to compete in the heavyweights, including tossing the caber. As we reach the end of the season, athletes Elizabeth Elliott and Emmerleigh Barter, who competed in the games, join Anita Rani to discuss how it felt to compete at this level on home soil.If you're making your way through Essex on the train in the coming days, you might notice poems being read over the PA system, with young women and girls sharing how they feel about their accent. It's part of a new project from the University of Essex and c2c Rail, celebrating the Essex accent. Anita is joined by Dr Tara McAllister-Viel who led the project and the comedian Esther Manito who is from Essex.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

For decades thousands of pregnant women across the UK were prescribed the drug Diethlystilbestrol or DES, a synthetic hormone that was meant to help prevent miscarriage. But the drug left a legacy of life-altering health problems for some of their children, including infertility and rare cancers. Anita Rani speaks to ITV Social Affairs Correspondent Sarah Corker who has investigated what they are calling a medical scandal that continues to devastate lives, talking to the women who say more must be done to help those exposed to the drug as new concerns emerge over the impact of DES on a third generation.   Author Heather Morris wrote The Tattooist of Auschwitz, which went on to become one of the bestselling books of the 21st century. Her new novel, The Wish, follows Jesse, a 15-year-old with terminal leukaemia who wants to have a digital 3D recreation of her life for her family and friends. To accomplish this, she connects with Alex, a lonely CGI designer. The book explores their unlikely friendship and its impact on both of their lives. Heather joins Anita to talk about mortality, family, healing through connection and what it means to be remembered.Last week we heard from three women who have had a loved one take their own life. They spoke honestly and movingly about what happened to them in the immediate and long term aftermath of such a loss. Today we are taking a look at the historical context of suicide. Anita speaks to BBC New Generation thinker Dr Stephanie Brown, who is Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Hull and doing research in this area. In 2023 Sophie Ellis-Bextor's Murder on the Dancefloor went viral on TikTok after Emerald Fennell used it in a key scene in the film, Saltburn. That resurgence, along with her popular Kitchen Discos that got lots of us through the lockdown set the scene for her bravely titled new album, Perimenopop, which is released tomorrow, a celebration of womanhood in middle age. Sophie joins Anita in the Woman's Hour studio.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Corinna Jones

In the last of our series on life after suicide, our reporter Jo Morris meets Stef whose mother took her own life when Stef was 19.  On experiencing severe depression as she approached the menopause herself, Stef found herself considering ending her own life. This has led her to thinking her mother's death was also menopause related. So is there a link between menopause and women who choose to end their own life? Research in this area is all relatively new, but our guest Professor Pooja Saini, professor of suicide and self harm prevention at Liverpool John Moores University, joins Anita Rani to talk about the work she's done in this field.Italian fashion designer and billionaire brand owner, Giorgio Armani, has died at the age of 91. Known for helping to redefine both women's and men's suits for a modern audience and rewriting the rules of power dressing, how exactly did he empower and reshape the way in which women dress today? Fashion writer and biographer Justine Picardie tells Anita about the legacy he leaves behind. This week sees many children heading back to school and settling into a new school year and they might be reuniting with old friends, or even introducing you to new ones. But what if you don't like your child's friends? From playdates to birthday parties and encounters at the school gates, is there anything you can really do if you find yourself in this situation? Anita is joined by comedian Ria Lina and parenting coach Sue Atkins to discuss.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Corinna Jones

The former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has added his voice to calls for an apology for what he has called the state's role in the "terrible tragedy" of historic forced adoptions. Between 1949 and 1976, thousands of pregnant women and girls in the UK were sent away to "prison-like" homes run by the church and state and had their babies put up for adoption. In 2021, an inquiry concluded that the State bore ultimate responsibility for the suffering inflicted on vulnerable women and their children, calling on the government to issue an official apology. Anna Foster was joined by Diana Defries, chair of the Movement for Adoption Apology and Karen Constantine, author of Taken, experiences of forced adoption, to give their reaction to the intervention by the former PM and whether they will be granted an apology.Paula Byrne, Jane Austen's biographer and also a novelist, has spent 25 years researching and writing about the iconic author. In this 250th anniversary year of Austen's birth, she joined Kylie Pentelow to talk about her new novel, Six Weeks by the Sea, which is her first fictional treatment of Austen and tells the story of how she imagines the most famous romance writer of all time first fell in love.If you've been watching any of the Women's Rugby World Cup you may have seen ‘high tech mouthguards being used. They will now flash red — signally potentially high impacts, requiring players to have a head injury assessment - a move aimed at improving player safety. So just how safe is it for women to play rugby? What are the risks of getting injured, and what is being done to mitigate those risks? We hear from Fi Tomas, women's sports reporter at the Telegraph, Dr Izzy Moore, reader in human movement and sports medicine at Cardiff Metropolitan University and Welsh Ruby Union injury surveillance project lead, and Dr Anna Stodter, senior lecturer in sport coaching at Leeds Beckett University, former Sottish International player, who also coaches the university team.After learning about the threat to harvest mice in the UK, 13 year old friends Eva and Emily decided to breed 250 of them at home and release them into a local nature reserve - with the help of a crowdfunder and Chris Packham. Women who've been stalked, or had to take out a restraining order, have a much higher chance of suffering a heart attack or stroke, according to a new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. It followed a group of over 66,000 women across 10 years, and found those who'd been stalked were 41% more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, with those who'd taken out a restraining orders 71% more likely to have heart problems. Kylie talked to Dr Audrey Murchland, one of the lead researchers who carried out the study, about their findings.Justine Lee is a knitwear designer of 30 years who fell out of love with fast fashion. Her latest work focuses on helping to protect the future of British rare breed sheep. She works with shepherds and wool producers, mostly women, and has knitted swatches from all 62 rare-breed sheep to show the versatility of the wool. She joined Anita Rani to discuss her work with farmers, her knitwear designs and her new book which showcases the wool.Presenter: Kylie Pentelow Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Corinna Jones

Four years after Taliban fighters retook the capital Kabul on 15 August 2021, UN Women, the gender equality agency, is warning that the situation for women and girls in Afghanistan is increasingly untenable. They say without urgent action, this untenable reality will become normalised and women and girls will be fully excluded. To discuss further Anita Rani was joined by Fawzia Koofi, former deputy speaker of the Afghan Parliament & peace negotiator, and BBC senior Afghan reporter Mahjooba Nowrouzi, recently returned from Afghanistan.As rugby fans across the UK look forward to the Women's Rugby World Cup, Anita speaks with rugby trailblazer Deborah Griffin. An amateur player since university, Deborah co-organised the first ever Women's Rugby World Cup, held in Wales in 1991. Earlier this month, she became the first woman to take up the role of President of the Rugby Football Union.A woman in Wales who felt forced to terminate her pregnancy after being unable to access the anti-sickness medication she needed is calling for the drug to be made more widely available. Sarah Spooner was suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum which left her vomiting more than 20 times per day and unable to eat or drink. But she found it virtually impossible to access Xonvea, a medication which is recommended as a first-line treatment in England but not in Wales. Nuala McGovern hears Sarah's story, and speaks to Dr Caitlin Dean from Pregnancy Sickness Support about why there is a postcode lottery across the UK for women needing Xonvea.Emma Holten tells us we need a feminist revolution. The author has spent years investigating the true value of care - and how rethinking it could transform our societies. Her debut book, Deficit: How Feminist Economics Can Change Our World, examines how mainstream economics systematically undervalues care work and advocates for reshaping policy to reflect its true worth.England goalkeeper and Lionesses legend Hannah Hampton joins Nuala on Woman's Hour fresh from winning the UEFA European Women's Championship. Born with a serious eye condition, doctors told her she should never play football. She came into the recent Euros with questions over her ability to fill the gloves of recently retired Mary Earps. To add to that, she revealed her grandfather had died just days before the biggest tournament of her life began earlier this summer. Despite this, Hannah had an extraordinary tournament, particularly in those agonising penalty shootouts. She joined Nuala to chat all about it.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Emma Pearce

Four years after Taliban fighters retook the capital Kabul on 15 August 2021, UN Women, the gender equality agency, is warning that the situation for women and girls in Afghanistan is increasingly untenable. They say without urgent action, this untenable reality will become normalised and women and girls will be fully excluded. To discuss further Anita Rani is joined by Fawzia Koofi, former deputy speaker of the Afghan Parliament & peace negotiator, and BBC senior Afghan reporter Mahjooba Nowrouzi, recently returned from Afghanistan. The synth-pop visionary Alison Goldfrapp has had multi-platinum album sales, unforgettable Glastonbury performances, Brit and Grammy nominations. She received an Ivor Novello for Strict Machine as well as the Ivor's Inspiration Award in 2021. Last year she completed a sold-out UK headline tour, cementing her reputation as one of the most compelling, dynamic and hypnotising live acts. Alison talks about her solo career and the idea behind her latest album Flux.Topshop is relaunching this weekend with Cara Delevigne walking a catwalk show in Trafalgar Square. But with River Island closing stores around the country and Claire's Accessories also under threat, how healthy is the high street as a fashion shopping destination? Retail analyst Catherine Shuttleworth looks at what high street shopping is really like these days, how brands are diversifying, and whether Topshop can make a success of a relaunch. Eighty years ago today, Japan unconditionally surrendered, following the US atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The war in Asia and Pacific ended, and World War Two was finally over. Tens of thousands of British, and hundreds of thousands of soldiers from across Britain's empire had fought Japan. Thousands were taken as prisoners of war and held in appalling conditions. British civilians were also captured and interned. We learn about Shelagh Brown who was held captive for three and a half years, after fleeing her home in Singapore, then a British colony, when the Japanese invaded.The Women's Rugby World Cup, being held in England, starts a week today. The BBC's Rugby Correspondent Sara Orchard runs us through everything we need to know. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey Editor: Karen Dalziel

What happens when a woman earns more than her partner, or is the sole earner in a household? For some couples, it's a practical arrangement that works well. For others, it can bring unexpected tensions, challenging traditional ideas about gender, identity and power. Listener Karla emailed the programme to say that she wanted to talk about what it means to be a female breadwinner. She joined Anita Rani along with Melissa Hogenboom, author of the book Breadwinners.After 30 years of marriage, Margaret Murphy moved from the family home in Australia to the UK—alone. Fifteen years later, she and her husband are still married, despite living on opposite sides of the world. She talks to Nuala McGovern about how she believes her later-life choices reflect a freer, more modern way to look at traditional married life. Listener Brenda wrote in about her situation: “I would love to hear you talking about a mother's play-book or instruction manual for getting through cancer. I would love to know how others are doing it.” Ailsa McDonagh also got in touch after an on-air shout out. She has been living with cancer for almost 10 years and received her diagnosis when her children were aged one and three. Both Brenda and Ailsa joined Anita to discuss.Mary-Havana Little is a traditional fibrous plasterer. She got in touch for Listener Week to suggest we talk about traditional crafts. Mary is one of the few women in the plastering world, working to create ornate decorative mouldings using techniques from hundreds of years ago. She joined Anita to speak about working in this male-dominated craft, and why she wants to inspire more women and girls into the industry.Listener Sally Ruffles describes herself as a 68-year-old woman with one daughter and no grandchildren. She got in touch with Woman's Hour for Listener Week to say: "There's this common assumption that having grandchildren is always a wonderful thing. But nobody really stops to think that not having them might also be okay—or even a positive thing for some people." She joined Nuala with her daughter Hannah, who persuaded her mother to write to Woman's Hour, to discuss why it can be difficult to talk about not being a grandparent.To kick this week off, we heard from listener Melanie Williams. Melanie is forever having to adjust her seatbelt because of her bust size. She worries if she were to be in an accident she would end up choking or being strangled by her seatbelt rather than protected by it. Melanie joined Nuala, along with motoring journalist Maria McCarthy who has been looking into the issue.Jess wrote in to tell us about a poem she came across on social media about the post-partum period, calling it “absolutely beautiful”. She added: “There are hundreds of comments across Instagram and TikTok of mothers feeling exactly the same way. Please check it out, I would love to hear more from this poet.” We've tracked her down and her name is Amy Williams. She joined Nuala to perform the poem live in the studio.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Rebecca Myatt

It's the final day of Woman's Hour's Listener Week, where all the topics in the programme have been decided by YOU!Listener Brenda wrote in about her situation: “I would love to hear you talking about a mother's play-book or instruction manual for getting through cancer. I would love to know how others are doing it.” Ailsa McDonagh also got in touch after an on-air shout out. She has been living with cancer for almost 10 years and received her diagnosis when her children were aged one and three. Both Brenda and Ailsa join Anita Rani to discuss. Therapist Cate Campbell joins Anita to offer advice to a listener considering radical solutions for her sexless marriage.Woman's Hour listener Kudzai wrote to us about hybrid working. She has the option to work from home but she chooses to go in every day, and she's been wondering what impact those choices have, especially for younger women just starting out in their careers. Kudzai speaks to Anita along with listener, El, who embraces the benefits of working from home. They're also joined by Rebecca Florisson from the Work Foundation at Lancaster University. Listeners Yara and Davina are an art collective, working in a unique job share to create socially engaged public art. They contacted us to highlight their work and explore the issues that come alongside working in the non-commercial art sector, being mothers and working part time. And what is Pickleball? Listener Caroline got in touch to say that taking up the sport in her 40s has been “lifechanging”, helping her to navigate grief and build resilience and self-belief. It just so happens it is also the Pickleball English Open this weekend, so Caroline joins us along with Karen Mitchell from Pickleball England to discuss the sport and its growing popularity.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Corinna Jones

Listener Week continues on Woman's Hour as we bring your stories, ideas and the issues you want to hear about to the air.What happens when a woman earns more than her partner, or is the sole earner in a household? For some couples, it's a practical arrangement that works well. For others, it can bring unexpected tensions, challenging traditional ideas about gender, identity and power. Listener Karla emailed the programme to say that she wanted to talk about what it means to be a female breadwinner. She joins Anita Rani along with Melissa Hogenboom, author of the book Breadwinners.Lynne got in touch with the show to share her experience of being a stepmother and ask why people question the validity of her role and other her. Lynne explains that her bonds with her partner and her stepdaughter are incredibly strong, but expresses confusion and anxiety at how people react to her being a stepmum. Lynne talks to Anita and Professor Lisa Doodson, a chartered psychologist, author and stepmother herself, who has carried out research into this topic.After our recent series about women and gaming, listener Jacqueline got in touch to say, 'I use games to 'check out' of life and to cope with an overwhelming amount of stuff that I need to manage. The games are an escape, but all those issues just come rushing back afterwards. I don't know where to turn for help.' Jacqueline joins Anita to share her experience, alongside consultant psychiatrist Professor Henrietta Bowden-Jones, founder and Director of the National Centre for Gaming Disorders.Last weekend Laura Hollywood was crowned Europe's Strongest Woman at the Official Strongman European Championship. We heard about her achievements from her friend Helen, who is a Woman's Hour listener. As well as being a ‘strong-woman', Laura is also a strength coach, supporting women through the perimenopause, helping them to embrace their strength, enhance their performance, and build their best self. Laura joins Anita to explain what it take to become a ‘strong woman'.Mary-Havana Little is a traditional fibrous plasterer. She got in touch for Listener Week to suggest we talk about traditional crafts. Mary is one of the few women in the plastering world, working to create ornate decorative mouldings using techniques from hundreds of years ago. She joins Anita to speak about working in this male-dominated craft, and why she wants to inspire more women and girls into the industry.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

The Lionesses have made history by becoming the first England football squad to win a major trophy on foreign soil, they successfully defended their European title in Basel last night. The match went to extra time and penalties - Clare McDonnell got reaction and reflection from guests including 5Live commentator Vicki Sparks, BBC Sport correspondent Katie Gornall, chief executive of the Women's Professional League Nikki Doucet and star player Lucy Bronze's mum Diane.The BBC has found that five women who were exploited by so-called grooming gangs in Rotherham as children say they were also abused by police officers in the town at the time. One woman says she was raped repeatedly in a marked police car, and threatened with being handed back to the gang if she didn't comply. The BBC's Ed Thomas brings us the story and Clare hears from Professor Alexis Jay who is the author of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse and Zoë Billingham, former His Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary.Actor Michelle Collins, best known as Cindy Beale in the BBC's EastEnders, makes her Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut in Motorhome Marilyn, a dark comedy inspired by Michelle's real-life encounter with a woman Cindy saw in LA. The play reveals the toll of living in the shadow of an icon, exploring failure, ageing and the heartbreaking cost of unattained dreams. Michelle joined Datshiane from Edinburgh to talk about her debut.Hattie Williams lost her mother when she was 18 years old leaving her feeling anchorless and needing to embark on a self-exploratory journey to recover some stability. When she experienced motherhood, she felt that she had achieved that. She told Anita Rani how these experiences inspired her first novel, Bitter Sweet, which she wrote on her maternity leave.Sara Pascoe is a comedian, and her children don't sleep, her kitchen won't clean itself and her husband “doesn't want to be in it”. Sara's new show - I am a Strange Gloop – is on a UK tour. She stumbles stunned to the stage from the soft play area, with battle-hardened tales to tell on the front line of motherhood.Nicola Benedetti is a Grammy award winning violinist and ambassador for classical music. She is also director of the Edinburgh International Festival, which begins on Friday. In October she's due to embark on her first solo tour in more than ten years. She joined Clare to discuss the repertoire, and how she will combine solo performances with storytelling, and share a selection of shorter works.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Corinna Jones

In July Woman's Hour took a deep dive into the world of women and gaming. It's an industry worth more than music, TV and film combined, with women making up almost half of gaming audiences. So we explored all aspects of it by hearing from gamers, creators, leaders and gamechangers in the industry. Nuala McGovern discussed the current situation for women with games reporter Frankie Ward and Twitch streamer Alyska, headed out to meet some of the women from Black Girl Gamers to find out more about the impact games have had on their lives, and heard from two women working in the industry - Charu Desodt and Tara Mustapha. Plus, she was joined by 76-year-old Fortnite streamer Cath Bowie, to discuss breaking boundaries through gaming. Later on in the series, Anita Rani was joined by BBC Technology Reporter Zoe Kleinman and game designer Emily Mitchell to find out more about the wider influence of gaming in society and on conversations around mental health. Plus, she brought together a panel of industry voices - Marie-Claire Isaaman, Stephanie Ijoma and Nick Poole - to discuss what needs to change to make it a more inclusive and safe space. In this special podcast episode, Nuala McGovern brings you all the stories from throughout the series, so you can catch up on anything you might have missed. Presenters: Nuala McGovern + Anita Rani Producer: Erin Downes

For over 40 years, Helena Bonham Carter has delighted us with roles including Lucy Honeychurch in Room with a View, Princess Margaret in The Crown and Harry Potter's much-loved villain, Bellatrix Lestrange. She joined Nuala McGovern to discuss her latest role in new film, Four Letters of Love, based on the bestselling book of the same name. Eight babies have been born in the UK using genetic material from three people to prevent devastating and often fatal conditions. The method, pioneered by UK scientists, combines the egg and sperm from a mum and dad with a second egg from a donor woman. The technique has been legal in the UK for a decade but this is the first proof it is leading to children born free of incurable mitochondrial disease, which is normally passed from mother to child. Anita Rani was joined by Kat Kitto who has two daughters, one of whom has mitochondrial disease, and Louise Hyslop, consultant embryologist at the Newcastle Fertility Centre to discuss.A new report by London's Victims' Commissioner, Claire Waxman, says that victims are being forced to quit the criminal justice system in huge numbers amid record court delays and traumatic process. She joined Nuala to explain why they are saying 'there is a near total failure in seeing offenders brought to justice', especially when it comes to female victims of violence. In the second part of our series about women and gaming, we find out more about the impact gaming can have on women's lives. Nuala heads to the Virgin Media Gamepad at the O2 to meet some of the women from the Black Girl Gamers community, who have over 10,000 members around the world. The bestselling author Louise Candlish joined Anita to talk about her latest novel - A Neighbour's Guide to Murder - which explores the practice of sex for rent and a trial by social media. The American jazz singer Samara Joy has five Grammy awards to her name and is quickly gaining superstar status in the jazz world. She is making her debut at the BBC Proms tonight, where she will be backed by the BBC Concert Orchestra, in a special tribute to the Great American Songbook. The Prom will be also be live on Radio 3, on BBC Four and iPlayer.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Deiniol Buxton

Eight babies have been born in the UK using genetic material from three people to prevent devastating and often fatal conditions. The method, pioneered by UK scientists, combines the egg and sperm from a mum and dad with a second egg from a donor woman. The technique has been legal in the UK for a decade but this is the first proof it is leading to children born free of incurable mitochondrial disease, which is normally passed from mother to child. Anita Rani is joined by Kat Kitto who has two daughters, one of whom has mitochondrial disease, and Louise Hyslop, consultant embryologist at the Newcastle Fertility Centre, to tell us more. Hit ITV crime drama Karen Pirie returns to our screens for a second series this weekend, based on the Val McDermid series of novels about a young Scottish detective. Anita is joined in the studio by showrunner, screenwriter and actor Emer Kenny to talk about bringing a new cold case to life for Karen to solve, juggling series two with a newborn, and how she's managed to combine acting and writing since landing her first big role as Zsa Zsa Carter in EastEnders at the age of 20.A Government review found that porn involving non-fatal strangulation was "rife" and its prevalence online was contributing to choking, filtering into some people's sex lives - particularly among young people. Last month it was announced that choking will be criminalised in an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill. To discuss, Anita was joined by Professor Clare McGlynn, Professor of Law at Durham University who contributed to the review, and Dr Jane Meyrick, Associate Professor of Health Psychology at the University of the West of England, who specialises in sexual health and sexual violence. This week, throughout our series on women and gaming, we've heard about the influence that games can have in society. We've spoken to women working in the industry, and found out more about the impact gaming can have on women, but we can't shy away from the fact that there are still barriers stopping women from accessing games. Anita is joined by to Marie-Claire Isaaman, CEO of Women in Games, Nick Toole, CEO of Ukie, and Stephanie Ijoma, gamer and founder of NNESAGA, to discuss what still needs to change and how the industry can improve. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Corinna Jones

The bestselling author Louise Candlish joins Anita Rani to talk about her latest novel - A Neighbour's Guide to Murder - which explores the practice of sex for rent and a trial by social media. Louise reflects on her career and explains why she's so interested in writing about the homes and streets we live in.The Government has announced it will spend £53 million on a new programme to tackle domestic violence. Anita discusses the plans with Kyla Kirkpatrick, who works with the charity Safe Lives and is the Director of the Drive Partnership Programme that works with perpetrators, and Ellie Butt, Head of Policy at Refuge.The American jazz vocal powerhouse Samara Joy has five Grammy awards to her name and is quickly gaining superstar status in the jazz world. She is making her debut at the BBC Proms on Saturday 19 July, where she will be backed by the BBC Concert Orchestra, in a special tribute to the Great American Songbook. The Prom will be also be live on Radio 3, on BBC Four and iPlayer. In the next in our Women and Gaming series we look at the wider impact gaming can have on society. Anita talks to the BBC's Technology Editor Zoe Kleinman, and Emily Mitchell, winner of the BAFTA Young Game Designer award in 2017, and creator of Fractured Minds, an immersive puzzle game which confronts the daily challenges of living with anxiety.Presented by Anita Rani Produced by Louise Corley

It's been 20 years since the 7/7 attacks in London, which claimed the lives of 52 civilians and injured almost 800. Krupa Padhy talked to Gill Hicks, who was on the Piccadilly line Tube that morning and lost her legs in the blast, and nurse Kate Price, who was working in intensive care at St Thomas' Hospital. They discuss their memories of that day and the aftermath, as well as the lasting bond they have formed.An exhibition celebrating the life and work of renowned Australian artist Emily Kam Kngwarray has opened at the Tate Modern in London. Respectfully known as ‘the old lady' by her community, Emily didn't start painting on canvas until her 70s. Anita Rani talked to art curator Kelli Cole about Emily's paintings, which were inspired by her life as a senior Anmatyerr woman from the Sandover region of the Northern Territory of Australia.The TV presenter and autism advocacy campaigner, Christine McGuinness, is mother of three autistic children, and she received an autism diagnosis herself as an adult. She is highlighting new research that found that half of parents of children with disabilities surveyed said their child is excluded from play due to playgrounds being inaccessible to them. From Frank Sinatra to the Beatles, many of the biggest male stars built their early careers on the romantic appeal to young women. Bea Martinez-Gatell is author of Swoon, Fangirls, Their Idols And The Counterculture of Female Lust – From Byron To The Beatles. She joined Anita to explain that far from passive consumers, fangirls were actually tastemakers, visionaries and cultural disruptors.Fatima Timbo, known as Fats Timbo, is a content creator and comedian who has amassed an incredible 3 million followers on TikTok. Since appearing on TV show The Undateables in 2018, she's also been part of the team bringing us the Paralympics coverage from Paris last year. Born with achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism, she shares her tips for succeeding in a world where it's difficult to be different in her book Main Character Energy: Ten Commandments for Living Life Fearlessly. Katie Brayben is a two-time Olivier award winner for Best Actress in A Musical for Tammy Faye and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Now she is reprising the role of Elizabeth Laine in Girl From the North Country currently on stage at the Old Vic in London. Katie sang live in the studio. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Andrea Kidd

Katie Brayben is a two-time Olivier award winner for Best Actress in A Musical for Tammy Faye and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Now she is reprising the role of Elizabeth Laine in Girl From the North Country currently on stage at the Old Vic in London. Katie joins Anita Rani to explain what has drawn her back to this role.A third of women who died during or in the year after pregnancy were known to children's social care, according to new research. The study by Kings College London, Oxford University and the charity Birth Companions, examined the data of nearly 1,400 women who died between 2014 and 2022. In particular, they looked at the 420 known to social services, half of those women died by suicide or from substance-related causes. Anita discusses the research with Kaat De Backer, Researcher King's College London and Amy Van Zyl, Chief Executive, Her Circle.From Frank Sinatra to the Beatles, many of the biggest male stars built their early careers on the romantic appeal to young women. Bea Martinez-Gatell is author of Swoon, Fangirls, Their Idols And The Counterculture of Female Lust – From Byron To The Beatles. She joins Anita to explain that far from passive consumers, fangirls were actually tastemakers, visionaries and cultural disruptors.Actor Jane Birkin's original Hermes Birkin has sold for £7.4 million pounds - becoming the most valuable handbag to ever be sold at auction. What makes the bag so iconic? Justine Picardie, writer and former editor in chief of Harpers Bazaar, and Marisa Meltzer, who has written It Girl: The Life and Legacy of Jane Birkin, join Anita to discuss the story behind the bag and what makes a fashion accessory so alluring.

The Southport inquiry - the first phase of which took place in Liverpool this week - heard statements from the families of four girls who survived despite being seriously injured during the attacks on 29 July last year. The public inquiry heard testimony from one of the girls' mothers, who said her daughter 'fought like hell' to save herself and others. Anita Rani speaks to Judith Moritz, BBC Special Correspondent, about some of the eyewitness accounts.An exhibition celebrating the life and work of renowned Australian artist Emily Kam Kngwarray opens today at the Tate Modern in London. Respectfully known as ‘the old lady' by her community, Emily didn't start painting on canvas until her 70s. She went on to produce over 2,000 paintings and achieve huge critical acclaim before her death in 1996. Anita talks to art curator Kelli Cole about Emily's often monumental paintings, which were inspired by her life as a senior Anmatyerr woman from the Sandover region of the Northern Territory of Australia.Chief Inspector Helen Tebbit of Cambridgeshire Police joins Anita to talk about her role as senior investigating officer in a rape investigation which resulted in a sexual predator, Craig France, being jailed for more than 10 years - as featured this week in the Channel 4 TV series, 24 Hours in Police Custody.Camaron Marvel Ochs, known professionally as Cam, is an American country music singer songwriter. Her most successful single, Burning House, received widespread acclaim and went triple platinum. She has written for a range of artists including Sam Smith and Miley Cyrus, and last year she received a Grammy award for songwriting, production and backing vocals for Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter album. Anita speaks to her about her career so far and her forthcoming album – All Things Light Up.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

The Department for Education has just released the latest figures that show another rise in the number of Education, Health and Care Plans, or EHCPs, in England. These are the legal documents that outline what support a child or young person with special educational needs and disabilities is entitled to. The BBC's education reporter Kate McGough, Jane Harris, vice chair of the Disabled Children's Partnership, and Jacquie Russell from West Sussex County Council joined Clare McDonnell.Christiane Amanpour has been at the forefront of international news for more than 40 years, reporting from all over the world as a journalist and war reporter as well as being CNN's Chief International Anchor, steering the helm of several programmes including CNN International's nightly interview programme Amanpour. She's now launched a podcast, Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex-Files with Jamie Rubin. It's a weekly foreign affairs show, co-hosted with Jamie, a former U.S. diplomat and Assistant Secretary of State and also her ex-husband. Christiane joined Clare to discuss.The musician, songwriter and actress, Rebecca Lucy Taylor, aka Self Esteem won the 2021 BBC Music Introducing Artist of the Year Award and achieved a nomination for the Mercury Prize in 2022 with Prioritise Pleasure. More recently she has performed the lead role of Sally Bowles in the West End production of Cabaret. She talks to Anita Rani about her new album, A Complicated Woman, and performing on the Park Stage at Glastonbury this weekend.The bullet bra has made a recent return to the catwalk and to the cover of British Vogue, where singer Dua Lipa can be seen sporting a blush satin Miu Miu creation in the July issue. But will the silhouette, once favoured by Marilyn Monroe and Madonna, cut through to the high street? And what does that mean for the comfortable t-shirt bras that have been going strong since lockdown? Julia Hobbs, British Vogue's contributing senior fashion features editor has recently road-tested the bullet bra. She joins Clare to discuss the experience, along with Karolina Laskowska, a lingerie designer and the director of The Underpinnings Museum.Presenter: Clare McDonnell Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Rebecca Myatt

Natalie Fleet is the Labour MP for Bolsover whose path into politics has been far from typical. From a very young age, teachers told her she was destined for university – something almost unheard of in her Nottingham mining town. But her future took a different turn, when at fifteen, she became pregnant by an older man. At the time she had thought they were in a relationship - but as she grew older, Natalie says she realised she had been a victim of grooming and statutory rape. She's now speaking out to give a voice to those she feels have been made to feel they should be silent, and joins Anita Rani in the studio. Only 3.1% of PREP users in England are women. That's Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, a drug that reduces the risk of being infected with HIV. Many women don't know that PREP exists, or don't consider themselves at risk. Yet women accounted for 30% of new HIV diagnoses in England in 2023. This week, the Elton John AIDS Foundation has launched pilot programmes to increase women's access to PREP. Anita was joined by Dr Jenny Whetham, Consultant and Joint Clinical Lead, Sexual Health and HIV Medicine, Brighton and Anne Aslett, CEO of the Elton John AIDS Foundation to discuss.Trisha Goddard rose to fame as a TV journalist. She was the first black TV presenter in Australia and is best known in the UK for her eponymous TV show which aired on ITV and Channel 5 in the late 90s and 2000s, earning her a reputation as the British Oprah. She joined Anita to talk about her career, appearing on Celebrity Big Brother and why she chose recently to go public with her diagnosis for stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.BBC journalist Sanchia Berg and fertility lawyer Beverley Addison joined Nuala McGovern to discuss the recent cases of older couples becoming parents via surrogacy.Comedian, actor and writer Rosie Jones joined Nuala to discuss her first sitcom, Pushers, which she stars in and co-wrote. She plays Emily in the Channel 4 show, who has very little left to lose after having her disability benefits cut when she loses her job - she finds herself building an illegal drugs empire. Emily isn't your average street-dealer though - she's sharp, funny, highly educated and has cerebral palsy. What better disguise could there be for criminal activity than to be entirely written off by society?Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Rebecca Myatt

Julianne Moore has won countless awards and nominations for films like Boogie Nights, The End of the Affair, The Hours, as well as winning an Oscar for her performance in the film Still Alice. Her latest role sees her play Kate in the upcoming film Echo Valley alongside Sydney Sweeney, who plays her daughter Claire. Julianne tells Nuala McGovern about her character who's coming to terms with a personal tragedy while running her farm and training horses, when her daughter shows up, hysterical and covered in someone else's blood, flipping Kate's world upside down.Next week not one but two amendments are being brought before MPs, both of which could mean, if passed, that women will no longer be prosecuted for terminating a pregnancy in England and Wales. It comes amid concern more women are being investigated by police on suspicion of illegally ending a pregnancy. Anita Rani is joined by the BBC's Health Correspondent Nick Triggle and Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi, one of those who is tabling an amendmentIn 2015, 22-year-old Alice Figueiredo took her own life whilst being treated at Goodmayes Hospital, east London. Over the course of her 5 month stay at the mental health unit she attempted suicide on 18 separate occasions. Following a seven-month trial at the Old Bailey, a jury found that not enough was done by the North East London Foundation NHS Trust, or ward manager Benjamin Aninakwa, to prevent Alice from killing herself. Alice's mum, Jane Figueiredo, has spent the last decade fighting to get the case to court. She discusses the impact it has had on her family.Canadian born human rights lawyer, Stephanie Case, went viral online when she finished first place in the women's section of the Snowdonia ultra-trail 100km race despite giving birth six months ago and breastfeeding her daughter at aid stations. Stephanie tells Nuala McGovern about her first race as a mother and first competition in three years and why she chose to continue to do the things she loves after becoming a mum.The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden is set in the Netherlands in 1960 and tells the story of Isabel and Eva, two women who are both struggling to find their place in a society that isn't yet modern but does not want to reflect on the horrors of the Second World War. Yael joins Anita to discuss her critically acclaimed debut novel which has been shortlisted for the Booker and is this years Women's Prize for Fiction winner.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rabeka Nurmahomed

Last night the winners of this year's Women's Prize were announced. The winner for fiction is Yael van der Wouden for her novel The Safekeep and the non-fiction prize by Rachel Clarke for her book The Story of a Heart, which tracks the lifesaving gift of a transplant. Anita Rani discusses the winning books with the Chair of Judges for the Fiction Prize, author Kit de Waal, and Chair of Judges for the Non-Fiction Prize, journalist and author Kavita Puri.Race Across The World reached its finale on BBC One this week, after a nearly 9,000-mile dash across Asia, from the Great Wall in north eastern China to the southernmost tip of India, via the Himalayan peaks of Nepal. This year's winner were mother and son team Caroline Bridge and her 21-year-old son Tom. Caroline talks to Anita about the experience.An entrepreneur and mother was refused entry to a tech event in London because she had brought her eight-month-old baby with her. Anita speaks to the woman in question, Davina Schonle, and the director and producer Jude Kelly about the issue of banning babies from events of this nature.It's festival season, with Glastonbury starting at the end of June. However it's not just the music and the atmosphere that festival goers need to be thinking about. The UK Health Security Agency has warned that measles is circulating across the country, with high numbers in the South West and London. Anita is joined by the UK Health Security Agency Deputy Director of Vaccination Programmes, Dr Julie Yates - who is the former public health lead in South West on Glastonbury.Grammy-nominated Ute Lemper has had a career spanning stage, film and music. She is renowned for her interpretations of Kurt Weill, Brecht and chanson legends like Marlene Dietrich. Ute won the American Theatre World Award and the Laurence Olivier Award for her performance as Chicago's Velma Kelly both on Broadway and in London's West End, and the Molière Award for her performance as Sally Bowles in Cabaret in Paris. Utel Lemper now has a new album, Pirate Jenny, celebrating the music of legendary composer Kurt Weill. She joins Anita to talk about her passion for his work.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

Tina Knowles, the mother of icons Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Solange Knowles and bonus daughter Kelly Rowland, has just published her memoir Matriarch. It tells the story of how a resilient little girl, born in difficult times, became a powerhouse, guiding her daughters to their potential. How she, the great-granddaughter of two enslaved women, went from what she describes as a little, two-bedroom “poor house” with seven people in Galveston, Texas, to being the head of one of the most successful and high-profile families in the world. Ms Tina joined Nuala McGovern in the Woman's Hour studio.For the first time since 1973 women will walk out to compete at Queen's Club as the Queen's Tennis tournament gets underway. To mark this moment, the Lawn Tennis Association is launching a series of initiatives to support the health and wellbeing of British women's tennis players. Anita Rani spoke to the LTA's Chief Medical Officer Dr Guy Evans and former British Number One and Tournament Director of Queen's, Laura Robson.Dr Grace Spence Green's spine was broken when a man fell on her in a shopping centre. At that time, Grace was part-way through her medical degree, and found herself going from being a trainee doctor learning about how to work with patients, to being a patient herself with serious injuries. Ten months after her injury, Grace continued her degree and later qualified as a doctor who is also a wheelchair user. Grace told Anita about her experiences, as described in her new book, To Exist As I Am.Bernardine Evaristo is the winner of The Women's Prize Outstanding Contribution Award - a one-off literary honour to mark the 30th anniversary year of the Women's Prize for Fiction. Bernardine joined Nuala to discuss her huge body of work and career highlights including winning the Booker Prize in 2019 for her novel Girl, Woman, Other, and her role as a champion for women and women of colour in the creative industries.Model Hailey Bieber has sold her make-up company Rhode in a deal worth up to $1 billion. She joins a list of other celebrities earning millions from their cosmetic brand. Nuala was joined by make-up artist to the stars Val Garland and Beauty Editor for the Telegraph, Sonia Haria, to discuss.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Rebecca Myatt

It's been reported that 1.5 million people are taking GLP1 weight-loss jabs and a huge majority are buying online without a face-to-face appointment with a doctor.   Yesterday, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) warned that women using weight-loss jabs must use effective contraception - and it is not known whether taking the medicines could harm an unborn baby. To discuss whether people using the jabs are aware of these issues and getting the right advice, Anita Rani is joined by GP Dr Sarah Jarvis and BBC Health Reporter Philippa Roxby.The Salt Path is a new film based on Raynor Winn's international bestselling memoir, starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs. Just days after Raynor learns that Moth, her husband of 32 years has a rare neurodegenerative condition, their home is taken away and they lose their livelihood. With nothing left to lose, they walk the 630-mile South West Coast Path. It's the first film directed by the acclaimed and award-winning theatre director Marianne Elliott, whose celebrated productions include War Horse and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. She joins Anita in the studio. For the first time since 1973 women will walk out to compete at Queen's Club as the Queen's Tennis tournament gets underway. To mark this moment, the Lawn Tennis Association is launching a series of initiatives to support the health and wellbeing of British women's tennis players. Anita speaks to the LTA's Chief Medical Officer Dr Guy Evans and former British Number One and Tournament Director of Queen's, Laura Robson. A look at teaching today. Is increased part-time working the solution to female teacher retention? A new report is out, which is a large scale analysis of what happens to teachers after maternity leave. They have studied data from 150,000 teachers across 7,000 schools in the UK over the past four years, and have looked at the impact of part-time working versus full time during the first four years after returning back after maternity leave. Anita is joined by Nicola West-Jones, Director of Insight and External relations at The Key Group and co-author of the report, and Jess Edwards, a primary school teacher and Chair of Policy, Research and Campaigns at the National Education Union executive. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Corinna Jones

The Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP joins Anita Rani to discuss piloting changes to the Victims' Right to Review in cases of rape and serious sexual assault. Anita is also joined by survivor and campaigner Jade Blue McCrossen-Nethercott, who has been calling for change.New research by UK Coaching reveals that mums could be key to reversing the sharp decline in the number of female volunteer sports coaches, down 10 percent in just two years; Over a third of mums who aren't currently involved in their child's sports clubs want to give coaching a go, but are put off by a lack of confidence and knowledge of individual sports. Joining Anita to discuss this is former England defender Anita Asante and Alison Walters, a volunteer coach at Faversham Strike Force FC. Dr Grace Spence Green's spine was broken when a man fell on her in a shopping centre. At that time, Grace was part-way through her medical degree, and found herself going from being a trainee doctor learning about how to work with patients, to being a patient herself with serious injuries. Ten months after her injury, Grace continued her degree and later qualified as a doctor who is also a wheelchair user. Grace tells Anita about her experiences, as described in her new book, To Exist As I Am.Singer, songwriter and actress Anoushka Lucas's award-winning debut play, Elephant, looks at her experiences of growing up mixed race and navigating the music industry as a young woman through the materials that make up a piano. She joins Anita to talk about the play, and to perform one of the songs from the show. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

Three-time Oscar nominee Carey Mulligan, known for roles in films such as Maestro, Promising Young Woman and Suffragette, returns to our cinema screens in the comedy drama The Ballad of Wallis Island. She talked to Anita Rani about playing ex-folk singer Nell, working on a film set with a young baby, and why she loves musicals.Earlier this week, goalkeeper Mary Earps, one of England's most high profile footballers, announced her retirement from the international game. Her decision comes just five weeks before the Lionesses go to the European Championships to defend their title. Jessica Creighton was joined was joined by football writer for the Guardian Suzy Wrack, and sports lecturer at the University of Worcester and professional goalkeeping coach, Dr Julia West, to discuss why Mary took this decision.Announcements of cuts to foreign aid this year from both the UK and US governments, amongst others, have left many organisations facing funding issues and putting their programmes at risk. As humanitarian crises continue across the world, including in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, with many vulnerable people suffering including women and girls, the need to provide aid remains as high as ever. Dr Helen Pankhurst, Senior Advisor on Gender Equality for Care International UK, and Sofia Calltrop, the UN Women Chief of Humanitarian Aid, discussed with Kylie Pentelow the effects of these cuts on women and girls globally and the importance of gender equality programming.The American folk trio I'm With Her have routinely taken time out from their individual careers to dream up songs together. On their long-awaited second album Wild and Clear and Blue, they sing about reaching into the past, navigating a chaotic present, and bravely moving forward into the unknown. They joined Kylie in the studio.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Sarah Jane Griffiths

On Friday, a one-year pilot, which gives victims of serious sexual assault access to transcripts of judge's sentencing remarks, will end. The Ministry of Justice has said the scheme will be made permanent, although it will stay under review as more victims access the service. Anita Rani is joined by BBC London home affairs correspondent Sonja Jessup, along with forensic psychologist Kerry Daynes, to discuss the success of the pilot and how the experience of being a victim-witness might psychologically impact victims. With housing costs rising and social care stretched, more families are choosing - or needing - to live under one roof. Anita speaks to two women navigating the ups and downs of multigenerational life: Alison Taylor, who moved her parents in with her children, and Katie Fforde, who welcomed her grown-up children and grandchildren back home. A new report conducted in collaboration with the dating app, FEELD, has suggested that in reaction to the loneliness felt during and after the pandemic, more people have looked at exploring the different types of romantic relationships available – such as consensual non-monogamy and polyamory. How do those engaging in new relationship hierarchies navigate "relationship anarchy"? Anita talks to Ana Kirova, CEO of FEELD, Ana Kirova and to author, Chloe Seager, about her experiences with non-monogamy.And Anita talks to Catherine Whitaker about the primetime night session slot on Court Philippe Chatrier at the French Open where, according to reports, a women's singles match has not taken place since 2023.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Laura Northedge

In a special bank holiday programme, Anita Rani escapes from the studio and spends the day at a dairy farm in Devon to explore the reality of female farmers' lives.Farmer Lorna Burdge shows Anita what a day in her life as a dairy farmer involves, from milking at 6am to feeding calves, measuring grass, looking after her three children and tackling invoices in the office.We hear about a groundbreaking three-year study into the health and wellbeing of female farmers announced by the University of Exeter and Farming Community Network. Dr Rebecca Wheeler, the project lead from the University of Exeter's Centre for Rural Policy Research, and Linda Jones, from the charity Farming Community Network, explain why the study is needed, who they want to hear from and what they hope it will achieve.Farming Today and Countryfile presenter Charlotte Smith gives Anita some of the context and policy changes of the last few years in the industry which some say have impacted farmers' wellbeing.Anita has a cup of tea in the farmhouse kitchen and hears from three women farmers about the challenges, stresses, achievements and joys of their jobs. Joining Anita and Lorna are Sinead Fenton, an edible flower and herb farmer in East Sussex, and Caroline Millar, who has an arable, lamb and beef farm near Dundee in Scotland.What action is being taken to address some of the challenges for women in this industry? Anita hears from Rachel Hallos, the Vice-President of the National Farmers' Union for England and Wales, an organisation which represents thousands of farmers and is looking at the experience of female farmers.And finally, Katie Davies, who was awarded Farming Woman of the Year at the National Women in Agriculture Awards 2025, tells Anita why she's trying to inspire more women to get into farming.For more information on the three-year study on the wellbeing of female farmers, and how to take part in the research, head to: https://exe.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5pqBN1BBqIxEns2Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Olivia Bolton Assistant Producer: Claire Fox Editor: Karen Dalziel

If you've ever had the bad luck of getting a UTI - or urinary tract infection - you'll know how painful they can be. It's a bacterial infection which can affect the bladder, urethra or kidneys and give a burning or stinging sensation when you urinate. Yesterday, in a powerful parliamentary session, the Labour MP Allison Gardner spoke through tears as she described her experiences of chronic UTIs. The MP for Stoke-on-Trent is now hoping to launch a cross-party parliamentary group to look at chronic UTIs. Allison joined Anita Rani, along with GP Ellie Cannon.This week, the BBC launches the Women's Summer of Sport, marking the start of a bumper summer of coverage including the Euros, the Rugby World Cup and Queen's tennis tournament. The Welsh women's football team have been called 'history makers' after qualifying for the European Championship for the first time. Three of the players, Josie Green, Lily Woodham and Elise Hughes, tell us what this means for them and how they are preparing for their debut tournament.The Bombing of Pan Am 103, is a new BBC drama series. It's based on the true story of the bombing of a passenger flight over the small Scottish town of Lockerbie on 21 December 1988, in which 270 people were killed. Kathryn Turman was an assistant to a federal senator at the time of the bombing. After the trial, she joined the FBI, where she founded the agency's first-ever Victim Services Division. Her experience in the aftermath of the Pan Am bombing proved invaluable to the FBI's response to the 9/11 attacks, and she has aided victims and families throughout major moments in history, including the Las Vegas shooting and the Boston marathon bombing. She discusses her mission to help victims, and what inspired her work in public service.Five years after the murder of George Floyd, a black man, by a white police officer in Minneapolis, a new BBC documentary is reflecting on the wave of Black Lives Matter protests that followed, including in the UK. Backlash: The Murder of George Floyd tells the story through the eyes of some of those who found themselves on the frontline during the spring and summer of 2020, including Khady Gueye, who made headlines after a local protest she planned in the Forest of Dean was initially cancelled. She joined Nuala McGovern, along with author and producer Nova Reid, to reflect on the impact the events of that time have had on their lives, and what has changed since then.Liane Child's novel The Trad Wife's Secret is inspired by influencers who believe in traditional gender roles in marriage. So is this a wholesome phenomenon or a dangerous and sexist regression? And what is the appeal to the millions of people who follow 'trad wives' online? Liane Child joined Nuala along with British 'traditional housewife' and influencer Charlie Gray.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Andrea Kidd

We hear a lot about the pressures boys and young men are under and how many of them are looking to the online world - or manosphere as it's sometimes called - to find answers. Prompted by the drama Adolescence on Netflix, the topic has been in the news regularly in recent weeks. This week the Women and Equalities Select Committee heard evidence on the manosphere. Anita Rani is joined by Will Adolphy, who was a dedicated follower of the manosphere until, in his mid 20s, he had a breakdown. He went offline for five years and rebuilt his life. He is now a psychotherapist, coach, and goes to schools to speak about healthy masculinity.This week ITV has announced a shake up of the scheduling and production of its popular daytime shows including Lorraine, Loose Women and Good Morning Britain. Whilst Good Morning Britain will be extended, both Lorraine and Loose Women will see their number of shows cut. Entertainment journalist and expert on all-things TV Scott Bryan unpicks why this is happening.The Bombing of Pan Am 103 – is a new BBC factual drama series. Based on the true story of the bombing of a passenger flight over a small Scottish town of Lockerbie on 21 December 1988, in which 270 people were killed. Kathryn Turman was Assistant to a federal Senator at the time of the bombing. After the trial she joined the FBI where she founded the agency's first ever Victim Services Division. Her experience in the aftermath of the Pan Am bombing proved invaluable to the FBI's response to the 9/11 attacks, and she has aided victims and families throughout major moments in history including the Las Vegas shooting and the Boston marathon bombing. She discusses her mission to help victims, and what inspired her work in public service.Next month marks three years since the journalist and host of BBC's You, Me and the Big C podcast Deborah James - known to many as Bowel Babe - died, aged 40, five years after her stage four bowel cancer diagnosis. Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer type and cause of cancer death for women. Since the early 1990s, the incidence rate in women aged 25-49 has increased by almost 60%. Bowel cancer is treatable if diagnosed early. Heather James, Deborah's mother, is fulfilling a promise to her daughter and continuing with Deborah's awareness-raising work - she and Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, are in the Woman's Hour studio.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Tonight sees the 70th Ivor Novello awards taking place at Grosvenor House in London.  They are coveted in the UK music industry because they specifically celebrate songwriting. Singer-songwriter Lola Young leads the nominations this year including one for 'best song musically and lyrically' for her breakthrough hit Messy, which spent a month at number one in the UK earlier this year.  Does this spell good news for women in the music industry? Anita Rani is joined by Linda Coogan-Byrne to discuss. If you've ever had the bad luck of getting a UTI - or Urinary Tract Infection - you'll know how painful they can be. It's a bacterial infection which can affect the bladder, urethra or kidneys and give a burning or stinging sensation when you urinate. Yesterday, in a powerful parliamentary session, the Labour MP Allison Gardner spoke through tears as she described her experiences of chronic UTIs. The MP for Stoke on Trent is now hoping to launch a cross-party parliamentary group to look at chronic UTIs - Allison joins Anita, as does the GP Ellie Cannon. A major new exhibition opens this week at The Imperial War Museum in London. Called Unsilenced: Sexual Violence in Conflict, it looks at the atrocities inflicted during war and conflict from the First World War until the present day. Helen Upcraft is the exhibition's lead curator and Sara Bowcutt is the Managing Director of Women for Women International, one of the NGOs working in the field of sexual violence in conflict, who've also contributed to this exhibition. They join Anita in the studio.Women and listening... how do women listen? How good a listener are you? Two books out this month focus on listening, from listening to sounds to listening more deeply to other people. Anita speaks to writers Alice Vincent, and Emily Kasriel.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Corinna Jones

Police have said they are searching for the parents of three new-born babies, all abandoned in East London between 2017 to 2024. The search is focusing on about 400 nearby houses. Anita Rani spoke to Met Police Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford and clinical psychologist Professor Lorraine Sherr, head of the Health Psychology Unit at UCL.Nuala McGovern was joined by the best-selling author Isabel Allende about her latest book My Name is Emilia Del Valle. It follows a young female journalist intent on covering the civil war in Chile in 1891 despite having to write under a man's name.It's thought that around 3 to 4% of people in the UK have ADHD - Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. But many women remain undiagnosed for decades, with those in their 40s, 50s and 60s only now discovering they have it for the first time. Jo Beazley was diagnosed with ADHD just two years ago at the age of 49, after her symptoms worsened during the menopause. She joined Nuala along with Amanda Kirby, former chair of the ADHD Foundation and a professor in the field of neurodiversity.Imagine you're preparing to host a party at your house when a lost elderly woman shows up at your door. What would you do? This actually happened to writer and director Nadia Conners. Nadia explained to Nuala why the interaction stuck with her for years and has now inspired her debut feature film, The Uninvited.How do we teach children to have grit? That's what the Government is suggesting needs to be a new focus in schools, to bolster children's mental health. To discuss how parents can help their children develop resilience, Anita was joined by Sue Atkins, parenting coach and author of Parenting Made Easy and child psychologist Laverne Antrobus.Anna Lapwood is one of the world's most famous organists and an internet sensation, with over two million social media followers. Hailed as ‘classical music's Taylor Swift', she told Anita about co-curating a special BBC Prom, the music she has included in her album Firedove which is out later this month, and what it meant to her to be appointed the first ever official ‘Organist of the Royal Albert Hall.'Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Rebecca Myatt

How do we teach children to have grit? That's what the Government is suggesting needs to be a new focus in schools, to bolster children's mental health. To discuss how parents can help their children develop resilience, Anita Rani is joined by Sue Atkins, parenting coach and author of Parenting Made Easy and child psychologist Laverne Antrobus.We are currently hearing different perspectives on the recent Supreme Court ruling on the definition of a woman under the Equality Act, and how it could and should be interpreted on the ground. Today Anita speaks to Sacha Deshmukh, Chief Executive of Amnesty International UK.At age 20, actor Sam Ipema was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. Her highly successful play, Dear Annie, I Hate You details this experience and is currently on at Riverside Studios in London. She joins Anita Rani and neurologist Dr Faye Begeti to discuss.Founder of the Everyday Sexism project, Laura Bates, has been looking into artificial intelligence.  Laura argues that existing forms of discrimination are being enforced by AI through historic coding, prioritising profitability at the expense of women's safety and rights. But also worrying is how simple it is for AI to enable users to create deepfake or AI girlfriends, that can perpetuate the abuse of women. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Rebecca Myatt

Police have said they are searching for the parents of three new-born babies, all abandoned in East London between 2017 to 2024. The search is focusing on about 400 nearby houses. Anita Rani speaks to Met Police Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford and clinical psychologist Professor Lorraine Sherr - head of the Health Psychology Unit at UCL.Actor Rose Ayling-Ellis also joins Anita to discuss her lead role in ground breaking new ITVX drama Code of Silence, along with the show's writer Catherine Moulton. Rose plays Alison, a deaf caterer who gets drawn into a covert police operation thanks to her exceptional lip-reading skills. It was inspired by writer Catherine's own experience with lip-reading and sees Rose take on an executive producer role too.In August 2022 the then Conservative MP for Stafford, Theo Clarke, gave birth to a daughter. She had a 40-hour labour, and a third-degree tear. She needed a two-hour operation and was in hospital for a week. Her experiences led her to set up the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Birth Trauma in the House of Commons, she also co-chaired the Birth Trauma Inquiry in Parliament. She joins Anita to discuss her experience, campaigning and new book Breaking the Taboo: Why We Need To Talk About Birth Trauma.Anna Lapwood is one of the world's most famous organists and an internet sensation, with over two million social media followers. Hailed as ‘classical music's Taylor Swift', she'll be telling Anita about co-curating a special BBC Prom, the music she's included in her album Firedove which is out later this month, and what it mean to her to be appointed as the first ever official ‘Organist of the Royal Albert Hall.'

Four years ago the broadcaster Naga Munchetty spoke out on air about her own awful experience of getting a coil fitted, and received a huge response from listeners. It led to her talking about her debilitating periods and an eventual diagnosis with adenomyosis aged 47. She's written about this and included the experiences of other women. Naga spoke to Anita Rani to discuss her book ‘It's Probably Nothing'.A wave of female designers have been appointed to some leading high street brands - including Jacqui Markham at Whistles, Maddy Evans at M&S, and Clare Waight Keller, the former Givenchy designer, to Uniqlo. So how much of a difference does it make for consumers that women are at the helm? Nuala McGovern spoke to Jacqui Markham, creative director at Whistles and Catherine Shuttleworth, CEO and founder of Savvy Marketing.A BBC documentary The Sex Detectives: Keeping Kids Safe follows a ground-breaking project in Bristol which engages the help of street sex workers to protect children and young people at risk of sexual exploitation. Avon & Somerset Police have teamed up with charity Barnardo's and partnered with Bristol's street sex workers to gather intelligence about dangerous offenders and paedophiles. Nuala was joined by social worker Jo Ritchie, at Barnardo's, and sex work liaison officer Rose Brown.In a special programme exploring 'mistakes' and our relationship with the word, Nuala McGovern speaks to journalist Nicole Mowbray who tells about the mistake she made at The Observer newspaper which caused an 'international incident'.A new report by HSBC looks at the obstacles and opportunities facing midlife women entrepreneurs. With more midlife women starting businesses than any other demographic, what is it like to be a female founder at 50+? Author of the report, Eleanor Mills, owner of her own company Noon and Helen Lord, co-founder of Rehome, a UK-based business specialising in the resale of used and ex-display kitchens, join Kylie Pentelow to discuss.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Emma Pearce

Four years ago the writer and broadcaster Naga Munchetty spoke out on air about her own awful experience of getting a coil fitted, and received a huge response from listeners. It led to her talking about her debilitating periods and an eventual diagnosis with adenomyosis aged 47. She's written about this and included the experiences of other women. Naga speaks to Anita Rani to discuss her book ‘It's probably nothing': Critical conversations on the women's health crisis. Robert Francis Prevost has been chosen as the new Pope and will be known as Leo XIV. He is the first American to fill the role of pope, although he is considered as much a cardinal from Latin America because of the many years he spent as a missionary in Peru. Anita is joined by Kate McElwee, the executive director of the Women's Ordination Conference, that calls for women's ordination and gender equity in the Roman Catholic Church and Ruth Gledhill Assistant Editor at The Tablet to discuss where he stands in the context women and the church.Planning a wedding can be stressful, but what if you begin to question your relationship as the big day approaches? How do you know if it's just nerves? And what if you realise that you're not happy, that your engagement needs to end, and that you have to cancel your wedding? Anita talks to beauty and lifestyle creator Katie Snooks who cancelled her wedding in 2017 and to couples therapist Joanna Harrison about managing the emotional and practical fall-out of cancelling your wedding.Laura Aikman discusses her role in new drama Suspect, which tells the story of Jean Charles de Menezes, who was shot by police at Stockwell tube station in 2005. He was mistaken for a terror suspect in the aftermath of London's 7/7 bombings. Laura plays Lana Vandenberghe in the Disney+ drama, a Canadian secretary at the Independent Police Complaints Commission who became a whistleblower, leaking documents to a TV news producer which showed a discrepancy between what the police knew and what was being reported at the time. Laura also recently starred in BBC crime drama This City is Ours and surprised Gavin and Stacey fans by returning as Smithy's fiancé for the recent Christmas finale, watched by more than 19 million people. Presented by Anita Rani Producer: Louise Corley

The negative effects that smartphones and social media access can have on students has become a national conversation in recent months, with differing views on who should take the lead in protecting children. Anita Rani was joined by secondary head teacher Emma Mills, whose school in Warrington has banned smartphones. Birchwood High attracted national attention two years ago when teenage student Brianna Ghey was murdered.Paula Radcliffe held the marathon world record for more than 16 years. The four time British Olympian secured the Six Star Medal last week, and has now run all six original marathons: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York City. Recently she's had her resilience tested in a whole new way - supporting her teenage daughter Isla through a rare and aggressive form of ovarian cancer. Now in recovery, Isla ran the London marathon last Sunday and Paula joined Nuala McGovern to discuss the experience.With the Met Gala fast approaching, we take a closer look at the business behind the red carpet with International Style Correspondent for the New York Times, Elizabeth Paton, and Fashion Editor for Glamour Magazine, Rosie Lai.For the last decade, Frances Ryan has been a columnist and reporter at The Guardian. She joined Nuala McGovern to discuss her new book - Who Wants Normal? The Disabled Girls' Guide to Life. Part memoir, part manifesto, it explores six facets of life: education, careers, body image, health, relationships and representation, as well as how to survive life's bumps in the road.And London Grammar frontwoman Hannah Reid joined Nuala to discuss more than a decade at the helm of the band, their fourth album The Greatest Love, and what it's been like navigating the music industry as a new parent.Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Annette Wells Editor: Sarah Jane Griffiths

Headteachers are gathering today in Harrogate for the annual conference of the National Association of Head Teachers. The negative effects on their students of smartphones and social media access has become a national conversation in recent months, with differing views on who should take the lead in protecting children; the Government, schools, parents, or tech companies. Anita Rani talks to secondary head Emma Mills. Her school, Birchwood High in Warrington, attracted national attention two years ago when teenager Brianna Ghey was murdered. Emma joins Anita to explain why she implemented the ban and what the effects have been so far.Barrister and campaigner Charlotte Proudman first came to prominence ten years ago when she called out a lawyer on LinkedIn who praised her profile picture. Never afraid to speak her mind, she talks to Anita about her new book ‘He said, She Said: Truth, Trauma and the Struggle for Justice in Family Court'.Writer George Eliot is brought to life in a new stage setting, accompanied by contemporary music by British female singer songwriters and using mainly her own words to tell her story. Author of seven novels, a poet and translator, George Eliot - real name Mary Ann Evans - was ahead of her time, befriended pioneering feminists and at one point became the second richest woman in England after Queen Victoria. Performers SuRie and Hermione Norris join Anita to discuss their celebration of her extraordinary and ground breaking life. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Laura Northedge

A recent investigation has unearthed previously unknown information about the death of a female Ukrainian journalist who had been looking in to war crimes in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Viktoriia Roshchyna, herself Ukrainian, was captured in 2023 whilst reporting from the occupied territories. She died in 2024 after a year in detention, where she was held without charge and without legal assistance. Editor on the Investigations team at The Guardian, Juliette Garside, joins Anita Rani to discuss the report. Have you ever wondered how much impact the name you were given has had on your life? Florence Knapp's debut novel The Names begins with a dilemma; Cora is about to register the birth of her baby son, but should she call him Bear, the name chosen by her nine-year-old daughter Maia, Julian, which is her choice, or Gordon, the name she is expected to give him and also the name of her abusive husband and his father before him? Florence joins Anita to discuss her new book and the fateful decisions we make every day.It's been a big week for Chelsea who last night won the Women's Super League title for the sixth year in a row, beating Manchester United 1-0 after a goal from Lucy Bronze. The victory marks the first Women's Super League title for Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor, who took over from Emma Hayes last summer. It also follows a defeat against Barcelona in the Champions League over the weekend. BBC Sport's Emma Sanders joins Anita to discuss Chelsea's season.With the Met Gala fast approaching, we take a closer look at the business behind the red carpet with International Style Correspondent for the New York Times, Elizabeth Paton, and Fashion Editor for Glamour Magazine, Rosie Lai. A new play, Conversations After Sex, tells the story of one thirty-something woman's life through vignettes following sporadic sexual encounters with a revolving cast of men. Anita explores the theme of intimate conversations with strangers, with the play's main protagonist and producer Olivia Lindsay and psychotherapist Charlotte Jefferson. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Emma Pearce